Blog Archives
WHEN WAS THE APOSTLE PAUL BORN? [Part 3]
It is my conclusion that Paul had just turned 30 years old when the Lord met him on the road to Damascus. From this I was able to calculate his year of birth.
.
WHEN WAS THE LORD JESUS BORN?
According to my extensive research over many years, I have discovered that there should not be such a relatively wide range of dates regarding the birth of our Lord. There are several clues to follow in the written New Testament accounts primarily within the Gospel of Luke. This man was not only an excellent writer and historian, he was also a man who put forth an exceptional effort at arranging the Lord’s life and ministry in a chronological manner. By the time he began his two part project which also included the Book of Acts, there already existed some written accounts of the Lord’s ministry, some probably brief, including at least one written in Hebrew.
Luke also paid close attention to historical dates which corroborated the Lord’s personal history. There is also no doubt that he sought as many eyewitness testimonies that he could gather. He at last wove all this material together in a clean, comprehensive fashion to create an excellent treatise of inestimable worth, especially regarding the Book of Acts as it is the only extant history of first-century Christianity.
When I became a real Christian decades ago, it seemed as though the standard date for the Lord’s death and resurrection was 30AD. I have not done all that much research into how such a date was chosen but the main reason appears to be primarily based on the demise of King Herod the Great. According to the general consensus this date has for the most part always been 4BC which would mean the Lord would have to have been born before this since Herod was very much alive when the Lord came into the world. Yet it could not have been too much before 4BC because the Lord’s birth date also had to fit with the historical record stated in Luke’s Gospel. However, the dates Luke gives were apparently somewhat contested by historians if they appeared to differ from what most perceived as the official record derived from secular sources, again, primarily based on Herod’s death.
According to my own research, though, beginning many years ago, I discovered that the official date of Herod’s death does not hold up under close scrutiny. In fact, a very good case can be made that Herod did not actually die until early in the year 1BC, most likely in January. I will not get into all the details of my research here but based on this date and the fact that the Wise Men actually visited the Lord about a full year after He was born, I concluded that the Lord’s Birthday was in the early autumn of 3BC, most likely on the 15th of the seventh month.
This also fits perfectly with Luke’s account of the fourteenth year of Tiberius since the previous emperor Augustus died in 14AD. Based on the way the Roman dating system worked with reference to regnal years, the Lord actually began His ministry in the autumn of 28AD which fits perfectly with 3BC as His year of birth. (Remember, there is no Year Zero. From 3BC to 1AD is three years.)
BUT WHAT ABOUT PAUL?
In Part 1 and Part 2 of this series I revealed my working theory regarding Paul’s birth year, based on several Scriptural clues, and that the Apostle Paul was actually 30 years old when he experienced his unprecedented visitation from the Lord out on the highway. We also know that the general consensus range of this event is about 33-36AD though it varies slightly according to different sources.
I had always thought it odd that nothing more concrete has apparently ever been discovered regarding the actual year of Paul’s conversion. As far as I’m concerned, though, I believe what I have accomplished here is at this point the definitive date. Please know I have already done a deep dive on this subject matter and have a good set of notes from which I am writing this series. If I am correct, it is also due to major clues I believe the Lord gave me which came as an answer to prayer when I began this project:
With regard to birth years, as Joseph was to his younger brother Benjamin, so was the Lord to Paul.
Based on the clues I received and a closer look at many Scriptural accounts, I concluded that there was a nine year difference in the ages of Joseph and Benjamin.
What I discovered was not at all far from the general consensus dates. But rather than give a range, which is not all that difficult to do and could be construed as lazy research, I wanted to find the exact year of Paul’s birth. I believe I did:
The Apostle Paul was born in the year 7AD.
He was nine years younger than the Lord. When the Lord began His ministry in 28AD, Paul (Saul) was a young man of 21. He had already spent much time in Jerusalem learning at the feet of his rabbi Gamaliel (Acts 22:3) which probably began when he was a young teen. It is also likely the case that Paul made several pilgrimages to the City of David throughout his youth since his father had to be a man of relative wealth and prominence to afford Paul’s exceptional education.
And as many have speculated, it is not at all beyond reason that this young man had heard the news of a new Rabbi up in the Galilee who appeared to defy convention and also draw comparisons to the mighty prophets of old. Did young Paul ever cross paths with the Lord? I think he did. One can only wonder if the young impressionable student ever allowed himself the opportunity to open his heart toward his destiny before his fierce hardcore religious indoctrination slammed it shut with no cure.
That is, until 37AD:
“While so engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect,
‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you;
‘Rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you,
‘To open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God,
‘That they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’” [Acts 26:12-18][1]
© 2025 by RJ Dawson. All Rights Reserved.
[1] Unless otherwise noted all Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
THE REAL BIRTHDAY OF THE LORD
Today is the first day of Sukkot. It is otherwise known as the Feast of Booths or Ingathering. Scripture indicates that today is likely the Lord’s real Birthday.
.
AN AUTUMN FEAST UNTO THE LORD
According to the Hebrew Festival Calendar which marks the beginning of the year or ecclesiastical year, the first month is Nisan. It is the first month of spring. Nisan occurred this year (2025) from March 30 to April 28. It actually began at sunset on March 29 because each day (each 24 hour period), according to the account in Genesis 1, begins at sunset:
And there was evening and there was morning, one day. [Genesis 1:5]
However, the Hebrew civil calendar begins in the autumn with the seventh month of Tishrei. The first day of the month is Rosh Hashanah (September 23, 2025). The tenth day is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement (October 2, 2025). After these comes the third and final major feast of the year which in the Hebrew is called Sukkot. As I mentioned earlier, it is translated into English as Booths or Ingathering. As in the first feast of the year known as Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Booths is also a seven day feast. It begins in part with the full moon on Tishrei 15:
Again the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘On the fifteenth of this seventh month is the Feast of Booths for seven days to the Lord. On the first day is a holy convocation; you shall do no laborious work of any kind. For seven days you shall present an offering by fire to the Lord. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation and present an offering by fire to the Lord; it is an assembly. You shall do no laborious work.’” [Leviticus 23:33-36]
“‘On exactly the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the crops of the land, you shall celebrate the feast of the Lord for seven days, with a rest on the first day and a rest on the eighth day.’” [Leviticus 23:39]
Tishrei 15 actually began yesterday, October 6, at sunset. Thus, this first day would be a holy convocation. The seven days are the 15th through the 21st of Tishrei. On the Gregorian calendar these Hebrew calendar dates would refer to October 7-13. The additional eighth day, Tishrei 22, which is also a holy convocation, occurs on October 14.
Regarding the great importance of this feast celebrating the autumn harvest, it also serves as a memorial to the days in the Sinai desert after the Exodus from Egypt when the people of Israel lived in rustic shelters of entwined boughs akin to early brush arbors. The following passage contains a closer look into God’s intentions and the early history of this feast. It contains several clues regarding the distant future:
“‘Now on the first day you shall take for yourselves the foliage of beautiful trees, palm branches and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. You shall thus celebrate it as a feast to the Lord for seven days in the year. It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations; you shall celebrate it in the seventh month. You shall live in booths for seven days; all the native-born in Israel shall live in booths, so that your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.’” So Moses declared to the sons of Israel the appointed times of the Lord. [Leviticus 23:40-44]
A NEW TESTAMENT CLUE
In Western Civilization, we celebrate the wonderful birth of our Lord Jesus on December 25. There are reasons for this, of course. Regarding the Christmas Season (and I don’t care what anybody thinks or that the date is incorrect), I love pretty much everything about it in its wholesome traditional sense. The sooner we start the Christmas Season the better as far as I’m concerned. I don’t think the Lord has any problem with Christmas since it points everyone toward Him and to hopeful salvation.
Previous generations in America have created a great and eventful holiday season here and we should both cherish and honor it. And again, regardless of excesses or whatever else, everybody knows the real reason for the season is the birth of our Lord. And even though the country has ventured far from its moorings and entered into great sin and depravity, the Christmas Season still brings much hope and allows for much spiritual joy. For this we must be infinitely thankful.
The greatest promise of the Old Testament literature was that a future day would arrive in which the Creator Himself, as the Anointed One—the Messiah—would actually arrive here for a long-awaited visit. God would become one of us. Of course, HE DID. And He fulfilled everything on His list to the very letter. Because He was born into this world as a Babe in a Manger and completed a perfect Life without ever committing a single sin, He was able to give His Life as a perfect sacrifice as depicted in the following:
“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:12-13]
Through the events of His great world-changing ministry and sacrifice He opened up a Door into His spiritual Kingdom which can be entered by anyone—whosoever will—who fulfills the requirements and conditions which He revealed during His ministry. All praise and glory to Him.
Regarding His profound visitation to our world, there is this:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [John 1:1]
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14][1]
In the latter verse, the word dwelt is from the Greek word σκηνόω skēnóō skay-no’-o. It means “to tabernacle.” Here is the Strong’s definition: “to tent or encamp, i.e. (figuratively) to occupy (as a mansion) or (specially), to reside (as God did in the Tabernacle of old, a symbol of protection and communion):—dwell.” Here is a further rendering: “to fix one’s tabernacle, have one’s tabernacle, abide (or live) in a tabernacle (or tent), tabernacle.”
From this we can clearly see that God resided temporarily in this world as one of us in a “tabernacle” (physical body) of His own choosing just as every person is only passing through this temporary life on their way to an eternal fate. This is what was depicted in part in the original rustic tabernacles of the Sinai. It was a way station and a place of preparation for the future Promised Land.
We can therefore conclude that John 1:14 is a direct clue to the actual time of our Lord’s birth: In the night, under a full moon, on the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles—
He tabernacled among us.
© 2025 by RJ Dawson. All Rights Reserved.
[1] Unless otherwise noted all Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
AWAY IN A MANGER: HE FIXED HIS TENT AMONG US
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14]
.
In the preceding verse, the word “dwelt” comes from a Greek word which means “To fix one’s tabernacle or tent,” and “To dwell.” There is no doubt this Greek word came from a Hebrew original. God Himself fixed His tent among us.
THE TIME OF HIS VISITATION
It was in the autumn of the year. The Feast of Sukkot or Ingathering was the last on the annual calendar. It was a weeklong event celebrating the harvest. Also called the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths, it hearkened back to that in-between time in the vast and lonely Sinai desert when Egypt was long gone and in the remote recesses of their rear view mirror. The Promised Land was up ahead in the distant future. It was an unsettled time of transition and hope.
“You shall live in booths for seven days; all the native-born in Israel shall live in booths, so that your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.” [Leviticus 23:42-43]
These booths were crude, temporary dwellings. Constructed of entwined boughs and branches from desert flora and brushwood, these canopied shelters served as impermanent homes as commanded by the Lord. As in all things spiritual with fleeting types and shadows, their otherwise ostensible purpose and full meaning was known only by Him. The Hebrew word is sukkah. The first time it is used in Scripture, it refers to a corral Jacob built for his livestock, the location of which eventually became the settlement of Sukkoth east of the Jordan.
In escaping Egypt and entering the unknown and ultra-challenging wilderness of Sinai, the sons of Israel were a nation in the making and a people on the move. Forty years of wandering were on tap in order to learn to walk by faith and know the voice of the Lord. It would be a hard lesson for the current populace of that time, being thoroughly engrained with worldly vestiges of a foreign and pagan nation. It would take long years for the Lord to extract the fetters which opposed spiritual life and add the building blocks of circumcised hearts and willing minds. In His own wisdom He chose an unruly and rebellious people with stiff necks and hard hearts to eventually show forth His glory and to bring to this world the hope of celestial communion.
These rustic booths of branches were thus a stark opening lesson in spirituality 101—that of pure and holy humility—the door which makes all else possible. Whoever declines the offer and refuses to cross this threshold chooses instead to harbor their pride. It should thus be obvious that God chose the most humble of circumstances to enter into this world.
AWAY IN A MANGER
While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” [Luke 2:6-12]
Newborn babies are completely vulnerable. They are entirely dependent on their parent’s love and protection. God had carefully chosen Joseph and Mary if for no other reason than their great faith and obedience born of a humble nature to serve and please the Lord. Mary did not understand why she was chosen but she readily complied. Joseph had a tad tougher row to hoe and it took a few angelic visitations to get him on track. As long as these two remained faithful all would be well, but there was no guarantee.
There is also no guarantee for anyone in this life outside the will of God. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. Each of us enters this world just as the Lord did but each of us is also initially unaware of God’s purpose. Discovering His purpose is the true quest of life. It is what gives our lives meaning. He’s got it all covered as long as we don’t rebel. We know by the life He lived that rebellion and disobedience were never part of His nature. Some of us learn the lesson somewhat easily by comparison to those who fight all the way. For the majority, it is far too high a price and for them, this life is the only home they will ever know. In the drive to escape all things humble they construct the most humble and temporary life of all compared to the glories of heaven.
The tabernacles of the Lord’s people are temporary. They are necessary for now. We exist to please Him and nothing pleases Him more than to take care of us, rescue us from the ravages of sin, and bless us. This demands a process not at all unlike the process He chose to be with us. He meets us where we are.
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. [Luke 2:13-16]
GETTING OUR WINGS
I love the movie It’s a Wonderful Life and the overall message it conveys. It illustrates the important role of each person and signifies the far-reaching effect each of us has on the lives of others. We all know the line spoken by George Bailey’s young daughter at the very end of the movie: “Look Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.” For every person who overcomes his or her personal pride and surrenders to the Lord, the same thing happens. A miracle takes place.
“I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” [Luke 15:10] [1]
By humbly giving our lives to the Lord as He gave His for us, we also effectively fix our tent as He did. From such humble beginnings, He is then able to bring us out of Sinai into our personal Promised Land, a place of greatly meaningful service to Him and to others.
© 2018 by RJ Dawson. All Rights Reserved.
[1] Unless otherwise noted all Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
WHY THE CHRISTMAS STORY IS ALSO A PARABLE
“Okay, here’s what the Lord’s going to do. He must go stealth. The enemies are always waiting at the doors and ready to pounce. He will bypass them. He will go in under the radar. They will never recognize Him.”
.
[If you are reading this at the WP Reader, please read at my website. Thank you.]
.
“But that’s going to make things very difficult for the people He chooses to work through.”
“Yes, but they love Him. They know what they signed up for. They will answer His call.”
“It would seem some would never answer that call. They may even think it was the enemy. Anything that would cause so much discomfort, rejection, and pain may be seen as coming from the wrong source.”
“Yes, but that is only true for those who don’t really know Him. The ones who hear His voice, well, they will certainly act. They will obey. They will know it is not because He doesn’t love them or is purposefully causing them to sacrifice so greatly without a higher purpose somehow being involved.”
“How does He manage to do this?”
“He speaks to their hearts. He shows them things in their spirit. It is a form of communication that escapes detection from outside sources, and those who receive cannot even readily relay what it is they hear because they sense no one will understand.”
“So they act.”
“Yes. They act. He knew Mary would act. He knew she would obey. It was completely her decision, of course. But that’s what a calling is. It is not only the Lord telling people they have been chosen or called into a particular service, it is also that He already knows they will say yes. They say yes because they hear His voice and love Him, but also because they know deep within that the calling He gives them answers a very deep need and desire in their hearts. They want to serve, but they want it to be right. Many serve incorrectly, thinking they are serving Him, but never get the satisfaction they desire or that deep feeling in their hearts. They feel like they are working very hard but not getting anywhere. This never happens with Him. Those who hear His voice and obey know something substantial happens when they do. They know they are entering an area in which their soul is satisfied, filled, and blessed. Mary knew this.”
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. [Luke 1:26-38] [1]
© 2017 by RJ Dawson. All Rights Reserved.
[1] Unless otherwise noted all Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
THE REAL BIRTHDAY OF JESUS: ENTERING THE SEASON OF OUR JOY (2020)
NOTE: I posted the following article three years ago on October 4, 2017. I am reposting it here in full to mark one of the most profound events in history which has especial meaning for our current time.
My previous post was almost two weeks ago on Rosh Hashanah, the first day of the new civil year on the Hebrew calendar and the first day of the seventh month of Tishrei on the festival calendar. As I wrote then, Friday, September 18 at sunset was the beginning of the New Year. It also began the “Ten Days of Awe” which culminated this past Monday with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
We are now on the cusp of yet another extremely meaningful and prophetic time on the Hebrew calendar, the third and final great feast of the year—the Feast of Sukkot or Tabernacles. It begins today (Friday, October 2) at sunset and continues for a full week. On the Hebrew calendar it marks the 15th day of Tishrei. It has long been my belief that this day is the Lord’s actual birthday.
.
THE REAL BIRTHDAY OF JESUS: ENTERING THE SEASON OF OUR JOY
The forty days of repentance and preparation has passed. The Feast of Tabernacles is now upon us. It is the birthday of the Lord.
The seven day Feast of Tabernacles is otherwise known as Sukkot, or the Feast of Booths. After the nation of Israel had entered into and became established in the Promised Land, this feast became associated with the fall harvest and was known as the Festival of Ingathering.
It was the end of the agricultural year. Since the three major feasts of the Hebrew nation aligned with the agricultural calendar, the year began with spring planting and seven weeks later came the grain harvest. These two events took place during the time of Passover and Pentecost respectively. It was at Passover when the Lord gave His life on the cross, planting Himself in death, and on the third day of Unleavened Bread when He arose again to new life. Fifty days later on the Feast of Pentecost the spiritual grain harvest began when all the souls saved by His death began entering into new life and were filled with His Holy Spirit.
Whereas Pentecost referred to the grain harvest, the fall Feast of Tabernacles was associated primarily with the fruit harvest:
“You shall observe the Feast of Tabernacles seven days, when you have gathered from your threshing floor and from your winepress. And you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant and the Levite, the stranger and the fatherless and the widow, who are within your gates. Seven days you shall keep a sacred feast to the LORD your God in the place which the LORD chooses, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you surely rejoice.” [Deuteronomy 16:13-15 NKJV]
This time of year was especially joyful due to the time of repentance which preceded it. In the five-part series of articles I wrote and posted from August 9-23, 2017, I referred to this time and what must be done. It has been a relatively difficult time for the nation. Time will soon tell if America has taken this time seriously, as I referred to in advance just after the forty days began in my post of August 23: At the Crossroads: Will America Repent?
For those who have taken it seriously and fulfilled what the Lord required, this Feast of Tabernacles will without doubt be a time of joy and fruitfulness, and a great ingathering.
THIRTY YEARS OF AGE
It was at this time that the Lord began His ministry.
When He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age, being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph… [Luke 3:23]
The patriarch Joseph was also thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh and was given authority over all the land of Egypt. He had suffered greatly for thirteen years prior to that time. One must remember that according to early OT interpretations, there were actually two Messiahs prophesied to come forth. The first would be a suffering Messiah as the “Son of Joseph.” The second would be a conquering King Messiah as the “Son of David.” As it turned out, both Messiahs are actually the same Man.
So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them before the LORD at Hebron; then they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. [2Samuel 5:3-4]
Then the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, “Take a census of the descendants of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ households, from thirty years and upward, even to fifty years old, all who enter the service to do the work in the tent of meeting.” [Numbers 4:1-3]
We know that the Lord’s forty days of preparation, fasting, and temptation began at the beginning of the twelfth month of the civil calendar, or the sixth month of the agricultural or festival calendar. This year (2017), that day was August 21, the day of the solar eclipse across America. The forty days ended on September 30, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This is also said to be the same time period when Moses went back up the mountain for the second time, staying for forty days.
This means the Lord began His ministry in the fall, after the forty days, and most likely after the Feast of Tabernacles. I believe He was born on the first day of Tabernacles and the following scriptural clue bears it out:
And the Word became flesh, and did tabernacle among us, and we beheld his glory, glory as of an only begotten of a father, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14 YLT]
The word “tabernacle” in the preceding verse from Young’s Literal Translation is from the Greek word skenoo. This word is translated as “dwelt” in most Bible versions, and refers to a tent or temporary dwelling, or an exact figure of the temporary shelters (booths, tabernacles, sukkah) the Israelites dwelt in during their time in the Sinai and from which the Feast of Sukkot or Tabernacles derives its name.
THE LORD’S BIRTHDAY
There is also this:
While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” [Luke 2:6-11]
Because the inns were already filled it indicates that it was very late in the day when the Lord’s family arrived in Bethlehem. We also have the very clear clue that because the shepherds were watching over their flocks by night that the Lord was born after sunset and most likely at night, which would have been the exact beginning (after sunset) of the very first day of the seven days of Sukkot, the beginning of what is known traditionally as “The Season of Our Joy.” This was expressed specifically by the angel of the Lord in announcing the Lord’s birth!
Please reflect on all of this as the sun sets tonight and the harvest moon rises. I wish you all a great season of joy.
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14][1]
Happy Birthday, Lord.
© 2017 by RJ Dawson. All Rights Reserved.
[1] Unless otherwise noted all Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
AWAY IN A MANGER: HE FIXED HIS TENT AMONG US
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14]
.
In the preceding verse, the word “dwelt” comes from a Greek word which means “To fix one’s tabernacle or tent,” and “To dwell.” There is no doubt this Greek word came from a Hebrew original. God Himself fixed His tent among us.
THE TIME OF HIS VISITATION
It was in the autumn of the year. The Feast of Sukkot or Ingathering was the last on the annual calendar. It was a weeklong event celebrating the harvest. Also called the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths, it hearkened back to that in-between time in the vast and lonely Sinai desert when Egypt was long gone and in the remote recesses of their rear view mirror. The Promised Land was up ahead in the distant future. It was an unsettled time of transition and hope.
“You shall live in booths for seven days; all the native-born in Israel shall live in booths, so that your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.” [Leviticus 23:42-43]
These booths were crude, temporary dwellings. Constructed of entwined boughs and branches from desert flora and brushwood, these canopied shelters served as impermanent homes as commanded by the Lord. As in all things spiritual with fleeting types and shadows, their otherwise ostensible purpose and full meaning was known only by Him. The Hebrew word is sukkah. The first time it is used in Scripture, it refers to a corral Jacob built for his livestock, the location of which eventually became the settlement of Sukkoth east of the Jordan.
In escaping Egypt and entering the unknown and ultra-challenging wilderness of Sinai, the sons of Israel were a nation in the making and a people on the move. Forty years of wandering were on tap in order to learn to walk by faith and know the voice of the Lord. It would be a hard lesson for the current populace of that time, being thoroughly engrained with worldly vestiges of a foreign and pagan nation. It would take long years for the Lord to extract the fetters which opposed spiritual life and add the building blocks of circumcised hearts and willing minds. In His own wisdom He chose an unruly and rebellious people with stiff necks and hard hearts to eventually show forth His glory and to bring to this world the hope of celestial communion.
These rustic booths of branches were thus a stark opening lesson in spirituality 101—that of pure and holy humility—the door which makes all else possible. Whoever declines the offer and refuses to cross this threshold chooses instead to harbor their pride. It should thus be obvious that God chose the most humble of circumstances to enter into this world.
AWAY IN A MANGER
While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” [Luke 2:6-12]
Newborn babies are completely vulnerable. They are entirely dependent on their parent’s love and protection. God had carefully chosen Joseph and Mary if for no other reason than their great faith and obedience born of a humble nature to serve and please the Lord. Mary did not understand why she was chosen but she readily complied. Joseph had a tad tougher row to hoe and it took a few angelic visitations to get him on track. As long as these two remained faithful all would be well, but there was no guarantee.
There is also no guarantee for anyone in this life outside the will of God. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. Each of us enters this world just as the Lord did but each of us is also initially unaware of God’s purpose. Discovering His purpose is the true quest of life. It is what gives our lives meaning. He’s got it all covered as long as we don’t rebel. We know by the life He lived that rebellion and disobedience were never part of His nature. Some of us learn the lesson somewhat easily by comparison to those who fight all the way. For the majority, it is far too high a price and for them, this life is the only home they will ever know. In the drive to escape all things humble they construct the most humble and temporary life of all compared to the glories of heaven.
The tabernacles of the Lord’s people are temporary. They are necessary for now. We exist to please Him and nothing pleases Him more than to take care of us, rescue us from the ravages of sin, and bless us. This demands a process not at all unlike the process He chose to be with us. He meets us where we are.
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. [Luke 2:13-16]
GETTING OUR WINGS
I love the Christmas movie It’s a Wonderful Life and the overall message it conveys. It illustrates the important role of each person and signifies the far-reaching effect each of us has on the lives of others. We all know the line spoken by George Bailey’s young daughter at the very end of the movie: “Look Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.” For every person who overcomes his or her personal pride and surrenders to the Lord, the same thing happens. A miracle takes place.
“I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” [Luke 15:10][1]
By humbly giving our lives to the Lord as He gave His for us, we also effectively fix our tent as He did. From such humble beginnings, He is then able to bring us out of Sinai into our personal Promised Land, a place of greatly meaningful service to Him and to others.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
© 2018 by RJ Dawson. All Rights Reserved.
[1] Unless otherwise noted all Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
THE REAL BIRTHDAY OF JESUS: ENTERING THE SEASON OF OUR JOY
The forty days of repentance and preparation has passed. The Feast of Tabernacles is now upon us. It is the birthday of the Lord.
.
The seven day Feast of Tabernacles is otherwise known as Sukkot, or the Feast of Booths. After the nation of Israel had entered into and became established in the Promised Land, this feast became associated with the fall harvest and was known as the Festival of Ingathering.
It was the end of the agricultural year. Since the three major feasts of the Hebrew nation aligned with the agricultural calendar, the year began with spring planting and seven weeks later came the grain harvest. These two events took place during the time of Passover and Pentecost respectively. It was at Passover when the Lord gave His life on the cross, planting Himself in death, and on the third day of Unleavened Bread when He arose again to new life. Fifty days later on the Feast of Pentecost the spiritual grain harvest began when all the souls saved by His death began entering into new life and were filled with His Holy Spirit.
Whereas Pentecost referred to the grain harvest, the fall Feast of Tabernacles was associated primarily with the fruit harvest:
“You shall observe the Feast of Tabernacles seven days, when you have gathered from your threshing floor and from your winepress. And you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant and the Levite, the stranger and the fatherless and the widow, who are within your gates. Seven days you shall keep a sacred feast to the LORD your God in the place which the LORD chooses, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you surely rejoice.” [Deuteronomy 16:13-15 NKJV]
This time of year was especially joyful due to the time of repentance which preceded it. In the five-part series of articles I wrote and posted from August 9-23 of this year I referred to this time and what must be done. It has been a relatively difficult time for the nation. Time will soon tell if America has taken this time seriously, as I referred to in advance just after the forty days began in my post of August 23: At the Crossroads: Will America Repent?
For those who have taken it seriously and fulfilled what the Lord required, this Feast of Tabernacles will without doubt be a time of joy and fruitfulness, and a great ingathering.
THIRTY YEARS OF AGE
It was at this time that the Lord began His ministry.
When He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age, being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph… [Luke 3:23]
The patriarch Joseph was also thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh and was given authority over all the land of Egypt. He had suffered greatly for thirteen years prior to that time. One must remember that according to early OT interpretations, there were actually two Messiahs prophesied to come forth. The first would be a suffering Messiah as the “Son of Joseph.” The second would be a conquering King Messiah as the “Son of David.” As it turned out, both Messiahs are actually the same Man.
So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them before the LORD at Hebron; then they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. [2Samuel 5:3-4]
Then the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, “Take a census of the descendants of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ households, from thirty years and upward, even to fifty years old, all who enter the service to do the work in the tent of meeting.” [Numbers 4:1-3]
We know that the Lord’s forty days of preparation, fasting, and temptation began at the beginning of the twelfth month of the civil calendar, or the sixth month of the agricultural or festival calendar. This year, that day was August 21, the day of the solar eclipse across America. The forty days ended on September 30, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This is also said to be the same time period when Moses went back up the mountain for the second time, staying for forty days.
This means the Lord began His ministry in the fall, after the forty days, and most likely after the Feast of Tabernacles. I believe He was born on the first day of Tabernacles and the following scriptural clue bears it out:
And the Word became flesh, and did tabernacle among us, and we beheld his glory, glory as of an only begotten of a father, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14 YLT]
The word “tabernacle” in the preceding verse from Young’s Literal Translation is from the Greek word skenoo. This word is translated as “dwelt” in most Bible versions, and refers to a tent or temporary dwelling, or an exact figure of the temporary shelters (booths, tabernacles, sukkah) the Israelites dwelt in during their time in the Sinai and from which the Feast of Sukkot or Tabernacles derives its name.
THE LORD’S BIRTHDAY
There is also this:
While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” [Luke 2:6-11]
Because the inns were already filled it indicates that it was very late in the day when the Lord’s family arrived in Bethlehem. We also have the very clear clue that because the shepherds were watching over their flocks by night that the Lord was born after sunset and most likely at night, which would have been the exact beginning (after sunset) of the very first day of the seven days of Sukkot, the beginning of what is known traditionally as “The Season of Our Joy.” This was expressed specifically by the angel of the Lord in announcing the Lord’s birth!
Please reflect on all of this as the sun sets tonight and the harvest moon rises. I wish you all a great season of joy.
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14] [1]
Happy Birthday, Lord.
© 2017 by RJ Dawson. All Rights Reserved.
[1] Unless otherwise noted all Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Happy Birthday Lord Jesus
Last year at this time I mentioned to a friend that “tonight’s the night the Lord was born.” My friend, a long time believer in good standing, had never heard this before.
In fact, many people have not heard this. In further fact, a probable majority of Christians do not know this and most will probably never consider it.
Now, it’s okay if one does not know but has an open heart to God. I’ve often mentioned that I’m glad there’s an eternity after this life because I have a lot of studying and research to do. The more I know the more I know I don’t know.
I remember in October of 1992 I was amazed that NOTHING whatsoever was mentioned in the major media about the fact that it was 500 years to the day that Columbus arrived in America. There were no national celebrations. There was nothing. Draw your own conclusions as to why. But when such things happen it only further solidifies the fact that the MSM is biased to the core, has an agenda, and is a tool of government, banking, corporate interests, and political correctness.
Many more people know this NOW. And that’s good.
But most people still do not know basic Biblical facts. And that’s because most Christians don’t know basic Biblical facts. And that’s because most Christians do not want to know.
How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!”
However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; “THEIR VOICE HAS GONE OUT INTO ALL THE EARTH, AND THEIR WORDS TO THE ENDS OF THE WORLD.” [Romans 10:14-18]
God wants us all to know the truth. And He is constantly doing His part to get the truth to us. But the truth does not arrive by simple osmosis. Decisions must be made. Searching must be done. The Lord only gives His truth and knowledge to those who put forth effort and are willing to do whatever it takes to gain it.
In His time, choosing Him meant a complete break from the former. It meant leaving Egypt (the world), passing through the Red Sea (being baptized), going through the Sinai (crucifying one’s flesh), and being equipped to go to war against the devil in the Land of Promise.
Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” [Acts 1:4-5]
…Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. [Ephesians 6:10-12]
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete. [2 Corinthians 10:3-6]
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.” [John 16:13-14]
Receiving the infilling of the Holy Spirit as the early believers did is essential for doing the work of God, taking ground, and defeating the devil.
Imagine never working out in your entire life and then suiting up to play in the NFL. As soon as you stepped on the field you would get absolutely creamed, obliterated, and destroyed. They would be picking you up in pieces. Even real pros who are bulked up, work out all the time, practice forever, wear heavy duty protection and padding, and know exactly what they’re getting themselves into often end up like little girls crying their eyes out.
It’s a rough game.
And so is going to war against the devil.
And all believers are called to go to war.
And all believers must be equipped for war.
And all believers must know the truth.
And all believers are required to cease believing in fables, get out of the world, have their mind renewed, become an entirely new creation, and stop going along with traditional garbage when it causes a rift with God and keeps us in a sandbox with a pail and shovel instead of on the field of battle duking it out with demons and exposing their slimy lies.
And what does any of this have to do with the Lord’s birthday?
Like so many other things Christians are notorious for sweeping under a rug, or disregarding, or dismissing, or considering for a second or two and then rejecting after realizing the cost, knowledge of the Lord’s real birthday means one has been paying attention and working hard to arrive at further truth.
Even if it means leaving comfortable surroundings and the support of fellow non-seekers.
Ever hear of Abraham?
Walking in the Spirit means getting the heck out of Dodge and out into the desert. It means countless hours, days, weeks, and years alone with the Lord. All the greats, both Old and New Testaments, demonstrated this. Most of all, the Lord Himself demonstrated this. Each and every real believer, if he or she is to be and remain a real believer, must also demonstrate this.
The victory comes by defeating the enemy! There is no other way. And for THAT we must do what the Lord taught and what the early believers carried out perfectly. How do we know? They got results! Results most Christians never see from a hundred miles away.
The Feast of Tabernacles starts tonight at sunset. It is also known as the Feast of Booths or Sukkot. It lasts seven days. I wrote the following passage in a post two years ago and repeated last year: (Happy Rosh Hashanah 2011. Happy Rosh Hashanah 2012.)
This time in autumn was in all likelihood the actual time of our Lord’s birth and will also mark the season of His return! Sukkot has not yet been fulfilled. We get a tantalizing clue regarding the Lord’s physical birth in the following:
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14]
The usage of the word “dwelt” in the above passage indicates the fact that the Lord tabernacled among us, in a temporary shelter, spreading His tent, so to speak. He spent forty days here after His resurrection in His glorified state, and ascended to heaven bodily ten days before Pentecost.
He will return during a future Feast of Tabernacles, and will then set up a permanent dwelling for all:
“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” [John 14:2-3] [1]
Great progress is being made in these last days in both defeating the devil and allowing the Lord to reveal more light. But we must make moves to incorporate the new light regardless of what it may mean in leaving prior spiritual camp sites.
Why not start with making a clean break from the time we traditionally honor the Lord’s birth? According to many experts who have made diligent studies of Scripture, His birthday occurred on the first day of Sukkot, which again, begins tonight at sunset. Many are already doing this and have been for a long time. And it doesn’t necessarily mean we ditch Christmas.
It means we honor the Lord on His real birthday. This should obviously be a time of great celebration! The time has come. Gather your families and friends. Let’s do this.
Happy Birthday Lord!
© 2013 by RJ Dawson. All Rights Reserved.
[My thanks to Bithiah over at Kedoshim Ministries for helping to inspire this post. I suggest a visit. You will be blessed.]
[1] Unless otherwise noted all Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Real Christianity 